What makes this US OPEN very special is that Tiger won the title when it was held on this same course in 2002, ergo “Double Defense”. It would go in the books as a landmark considering that only one player has ever achieved this “Double Defense”: Willie Anderson in 1905!! Yes, more than a 100 year ago!!

The only other player who found himself in a position to do it is the Legend of Golf himself, Jack Nicklaus, in 1973 at Pebble Beach but he failed, finishing 4th.

So Tiger has again an opportunity to make history. Don’t be mistaken , he is for sure well aware of that fact and he will be as focuse as ever to add a new chapter to his impressive resumé.

He captured his 67th. title two weeks ago at the Memorial Tournament, hitting 87.5% of the fairways and 14 of 14 on the last day. If he can keep up with those stats he surely will be figthing for his 15th. Major.

Nevertheless many great players will be trying to make history for themselves on this tight course with small greens. The straight hitters will certainly have an advantage over the bomb launchers as position of the tee is most important to be able to attack the flags and as it is imperative to avoid the rough which is costumary high and thick at the US Open.

Phil Mickelson, # 2 player in the World and Tiger’s archrival, might not be at his best mentally as his wife Amy is fighting breast cancer. We wish them the best.

I would watch the swede Henrik Stenson, the australian Geoff Ogilvy, both long straight hitters and good putters. Robert Allenby, another australian has been playing well for a long time from tee to green but has been betrayed by his putter like the spaniard Sergio Garcia.

The english Paul Casey and Ian Poulter, looking for their 1rst Major, are also in good form.

Among the US players, Zach Johnson, Justin Leonard and Brian Gay (winner last week) can keep the ball in play and have the necessary experience to do well, as are Steve Stricker and David Toms.

We have to mention the 2009 Masters Champion, Angel Cabrera from Argentina, who always seems to compete at his best level in the Major Champioships and Padraig Harrington who won the British Open and the PGA 2008. They tee up in this 2009 US OPEN with Tiger Woods at 8:06 a.m. ET on Thursday 18th of June.

Enjoy!